“To escape and sit quietly on the beach – that’s my idea of paradise.” –Emilia Wickstead
We moved today to Dominical, our second stop along the Pacific coast, it’s a beach-front town about 28 miles south of Quepos. The town began as a small fishing village but has grown into a tourist attraction, mostly for surfers. We’re actually staying about five miles north of Dominical in a wonderful house that over looks the ocean…a little out of the way, but very relaxing. The area between Quepos and Dominical is dotted with African oil palm plantations which produce palm oil.
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Jan. 26 – Dominical, Costa Rica
Anne Frank House
Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis for 25 months in a secret annex behind a 17th-century Amsterdam canal house. They eventually were captured and only Anne’s father survived the concentration camps, but her story lives on through the diary she kept that has been translated to over 60 languages. At the excellent…
Jan. 25 – Los Campesinos Ecolodge
“Travel is about the gorgeous feeling of teetering in the unknown.” —Gabby Basora
Stan and I like to look for activities that are a little off-the-beaten-path. We’re not the normal tourist that like to visit every museum or touristy place, in fact those are the places we try to avoid. So after our adventure yesterday at Manual Antonio National Park, it was time to get away from the crowds.
I do research to find local places and things that will lead us to something different and less crowded. In my research I found Los Campesinos, it’s a little known community-based ecotourism organization deep in the mountains north of Quepos. It took us about an hour to get there, up a mountain road that was a bit bumpy and steep, but no wear near as bad as the road to Rio Celeste last year. The drive itself was part of the adventure…it took us pass charming Tico (local) villages and we saw some beautiful lush green sights.
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Jan. 24 – Manuel Antonio National Park
“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” —Gustav Flaubert
The main tourist attraction in this area of Costa Rica is Manuel Antonio National Park. It’s popular for a reason…it has lush jungle, abundant wildlife and exquisite beaches. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing day on one of four pristine beaches or hike through the vibrant, green rainforest. From tide pools alive with crustaceans to endangered monkey species to stunning scenic vistas, the park is a spectacular destination.
Toronto Bucket List Challenge
There is so much to do in Toronto and many of our guests have said that the only regret that have is that they didn’t plan enough days in Toronto. For that reason we have put together a Toronto Bucket … Continue reading →
Jan. 23 – Playa Biesanz (Secret Beach), Costa Rica
“In Life, It’s Not Where You Go, It’s Who You Travel With” – Charles Schulz
We had a slow start to our day…breakfast by the pool over looking the marina. No monkeys showed up, but we did see a few later in the day.
We walked through town and found a place to get a sim card for my phone. People are so amazing here in Costa Rica…they go out of their way to be friendly and helpful. It’s fun just talking to people in the stores and restaurants. They are very welcoming.
Jan. 22 – Quepos, Costa Rica
“He who does not travel does not know the value of men.” – Moorish proverb
Our first stop along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica is the town of Quepos, considered the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park. The town’s unique blend of beauty, history, wildlife and culture have combined to create an idyllic rainforest community, which draws international visitors seeking adventure, those wanting to fish for marlin or those visitors that just want to relax on the beach. We plan to do a little exploring and a lot of relaxing.
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December in Amsterdam
After a whirlwind trip to the UAE and the US in late November, we spent December closer to Dirona in Amsterdam. Over a relaxing holiday season, we explored the city, completed some projects, and met with old friends and new, ending the month and year with a fabulous city-wide New Year’s celebration. Below are trip…
Nieuwe Kerk, Amsterdam
Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) on DAM square in Amsterdam dates back to 1408. That may seem pretty old, but it’s a century newer than Oude Kerk (Old Church). Nieuwe Kerk’s spectacular 17th-century choir screen was the first to be made entirely of brass and its panelled main organ, lavishly decorated with gilding, paintings and statuary,…
Jan. 21 – Back to Costa Rica
“And then there is the most dangerous risk of all — the risk of spending your life not doing what you want on the bet you can buy yourself the freedom to do it later.” – Randy Komisar
Last year I did a blog post about traveling…what it is and how it makes a person feel. Traveling is life, it’s unpredictable, it’s freedom, it’s like a drug – the more you travel the more you want to travel, it’s the exploring of new places, having no limits and being who you want to be. All those statements are very true for Stan and myself, so it’s time for a little adventure, a little walking on the beach, a little relaxation and most of all the exploring of somewhere new.
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